Archaeologists have found substantial evidence to show that music is a rich part of Egypt's cultural history. Hieroglyphics and texts from Egyptian mythology show that music played a very important role in ancient Egyptian society. Ihy was the god who presided over music. In one papyrus remnant, Osiris was named the "fair sistrum player." Music was used in some religious ceremonies and sometimes to exercise evil spirits.
Music formed an important part of Egyptian life, and musicians occupied a variety of positions in Egyptian society. Music found its way into many contexts in Egypt: temples, palaces, workshops, farms, battlefields and the tomb. Music was an integral part of religious worship in ancient Egypt, so it is not surprising that there were gods specifically associated with music, such as Hathor and Bes (both were also associated with dance, fertility and childbirth).
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